TomTom ONE XL Review (Tom Tom 1)

TomTom recently released the TomTom ONE XL, a stylish new navigation device. The first thing you'll notice about the TomTom ONE XL is its relatively thin design. The market's thinnest GPS devices measure at less than 3/4" thick. The TomTom ONE XL measures at a little bit over an inch, so it's still relatively small. It is an upgrade from the older TomTom ONE model which featured a 3.5" LCD touchscreen display. The TomTom ONE XL features a 4.3" widescreen LCD that is significantly larger and much clearer as well as high contrasting.
Keep in mind that the unit is a very basic unit but it does feature Bluetooth connectivity that is optional with an additional subscription, as well as an SD Card reader that enables any user to update their map database. The TomTom ONE XL does not feature any playback of audio or video files, but it does receive FM radio-based traffic information that updates the displayed map. In addition, the unit could receive weather data of any user selected cities.
Also be advised that the Bluetooth technology is not designed for hands-free calling but only for addition TomTom Plus subscription. It picks up better traffic information through the Plus subscription. This portable GPS navigation device, however, features an SD Card reader that could read up to 2GB of map information.
On the one hand, the unit is a great basic unit that offers plenty of GPS functions; but on the other hand, there really is no other feature that would be attractive to more advanced users. The TomTom ONE XL features a SiRFStar III processor that runs at 266 MHz, which is unfortunately slower than most portable GPS navigation units today. However, there is truly only one function for this unit, which is navigation, so a 266 MHz processor would be adequate with most usage. If you're looking for a basic in-vehicle navigation system, the TomTom ONE XL could be the perfect easy-to-use navigation device for the basic user at under $250.

Kenwood eXcelon DNX-8120 Review

When we first reviewed the Kenwood DNX7120and the Kenwood DNX5120, we didn’t think we would like it as much as we did. When we checked out the DNX-8120, we loved it. For the most part, the units are identical. But we’ll review some of the common features as well as the unique features of the DNX-8120.

Display
The Kenwood eXcelon DNX-8120 features a large 7” LCD touchscreen monitor that is both bright and attractively stylish. It integrates well into the double DIN space of any vehicle and the unit does feature the ability for users to change the color scheme of the graphics user interface. In contrast to the DNX-5120, the DNX-8120 has one more diagonal inch of advantage. This gives users, and more importantly, drivers the ability to see the navigation map much more clearly as well as allowing movies to be viewed at its full enjoyment with a bigger screen.

Compatibility
This double DIN in-dash receiver is capable of playing a lot of the popular media file formats available today. It plays standard DVDs as well as DVD±R/RW, DivX, VCD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, AAC, MP3, and WMA file formats. This allows for the widest array of compatibility and suitability for any user wanting to use various file formats.

Audio Features
The DNX-8120, just like the 5120 and the 7120 is capable of putting out home theater-like audio. This means that you can fully enjoy true surround sound experience if your speakers are wired correctly. Imagine parking your car next to a beautiful beach watching your favorite movie with your favorite someone! This is exactly what its designed to do, home entertainment on wheels.

Expandability Options
The DNX-8120 has built-in Bluetooth connectivity and is capable of handling hands-free calling while displaying call status as well as caller ID. In addition, the double DIN navigation could receive Satellite Radio (either XM or Sirius), HD Radio, and even NavTraffic! Its built-in USB port could be connected to an iPod and allows for full audio output and control from the in-dash receiver. If you have an iPod video, the unit could use an optional KCA-iP300V adapter for audio and video connectivity into the receiver. The USB port could be used as a source input for all kinds of flash drives and MP3 players. To top it all off, this head unit could receive rear view cameras or any other secondary audio/video source units such as video game consoles or TV tuners.

Navigation Features
The unit’s built-in Garmin GPS navigation holds a 6 million points of interest database. It provides users with turn-by-turn navigation with text to speech technology which allows the DNX-8120 to say actual street names. It also gives drivers the estimated time of arrival, current speed, and distance to next action (turn, merge, etc.)

It has quick-response street names and the display is nice and bright with great contrast and clarity. Thanks to its SiRF STAR III processor, the unit has one of the most accurate GPS technology available on the market. With it, the DNX-8120 is capable of 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional perspective navigation, fast recalculation, and extremely fast navigation refresh rate.

2008 Advances
Kenwood no longer uses 5-line external input systems on their 2008 release products which include the DNX-5120, DNX-7120, and the DNX-8120. Instead, Kenwood has integrated the “Kenwood Advanced Bus” systems, or KAB, which is much like a USB port for an in-dash receiver. The result is faster response from external optional accessory sources and enhanced audio/video quality from those sources.

VS the Pioneer AVIC-D3
The DNX-8120 is truly a magnificent product. With such a wide array of compatibility and audio features, it truly dwarfs the AVIC-D3. The AVIC-D3 does not receive HD Radio nor NavTraffic, which are two key features to have today. Additionally, the DNX-8120 features a built-in navigation instead of AVIC-D3’s DVD-driven navigation system. This means no shuffling for DVD and you could keep your discs playing while you travel. In addition, the AVIC-D3 does not feature built-in Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, which are some features that would win DNX-8120 over the AVIC-D3.

Even the navigation processor is a much better processor and Kenwood DNX-8120 users will experience much less lag and virtually eliminated sluggish performance. However, the AVIC-D3 did not lose the entire battle. Many users have reported that the AVIC-D3 is probably one of the best head units to have for the integrated look consumers have always wanted. The AVIC-D3 blends well with its user-defined color palette and preferences. The AVIC-D3 is also much $300 more affordable than the AVIC-D3, but it does lack HD Radio capabilities (both built-in or externally), built-in Bluetooth technology, NavTraffic, SiRF STAR III navigation processor, 7” LCD touchscreen, and built-in Navigation database (instead of DVD-based).

For roughly around $1300, the Kenwood eXcelon DNX-8120 is a sure winner of in-dash navigation systems of 2008.

Pioneer AVIC-D3 Review

The need for in-dash navigation has increasingly surpassed all previous expectations. We see this in the way automobile manufacturers begin to integrate navigation components into factory configurations, allowing consumers to purchase brand new vehicles with GPS systems. But what about the majority of consumers who could not afford new vehicles? The answer is the Pioneer AVIC-D3.

Though it first came out in early 2007, the unit is still considered to be a current model because of its capabilities, performance, and design. The AVIC-D3 gives any dashboard of any vehicle an integrated look, similar to that of pre-installed navigation systems of newer car as users will be able to adjust the AVIC-D3’s color to match the button lighting in the interior of your car.

This double DIN receiver features a 6.1” wide LCD touchscreen display that could also be adjusted to match the color scheme of your choice. It is capable of course displaying its built-in navigation, DVD movies, and any audio information on any music file you’re playing. What’s nice about the AVIC-D3 is its ability to be expandable as it is capable of receiving Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Technology, iPod, and USB inputs with additional accessories. The price is set at its base cost, which is usually under $650. Expect to spend anywhere between $50-$100 per additional add-on accessory you want to add on to your system. With any additional accessory, the AVIC-D3 will be able to fully control and access devices like the iPod and even your mobile phone. You’ll be able to use the unit’s touchscreen to select songs from your iPod and make phone calls through its Bluetooth Ready interface.

The built-in navigation requires the use of the included DVD player and is capable of receiving XM NavTraffic. It has turn-by-turn directions, voice guidance, 3D navigation zoom, and over 12 million points of interest (POI). The GPS receiver is capable of locking on to 8 different orbital GPS satellites, giving the unit the ability to use the data from one satellite if a connection is dropped. It’s always nice to have the XM NavTraffic, especially if you live in any major metropolitan areas. It gives drivers LIVE updates of traffic congestion and incidents. Avoid traffic jams and navigate around the slow-moving traffic and get to where you want faster.

In essence, the Pioneer AVIC-D3 comes with a lot of features that has, since its release, become standard. Thus, it is to no one’s surprise that the AVIC-D3 is STILL one of the most popular in-dash navigation units. It is indeed an all-in-one multimedia receiver that is sure to impress for years to come.

Power Acoustik PAVN-4210 Review

Now here's an excellent example of an affordable, yet high performing in-dash navigation. The Power Acoustik PAVN-4210 is a single DIN head unit that has built-in navigation. The PAVN-4210 is Power Acoustik's answer to the increasing demand for vehicle navigation devices.

Display
First off, the front panel is slightly larger than a standard single DIN size mounting. This may be a problem for those with limited mounting space on their dashboard console. However, it does feature a large 4.3" LCD touchscreen monitor that is both bright and attractive to the eyes. A typical single DIN receiver features a maximum 3" LCD display, unless it is a retractable, flip-out type which could typically house a 7" LCD screen. The 4.3" LCD display is a nice feature to have, since it makes the unit unique as well as versatile. It could even drop to three different positions to accommodate for better viewing angle.

Compatibility Features
The PAVN-4210 is capable of playing common media formats such as MP3, MP4, and standard DVD/DVD-R/RW. But it could also play DivX file formats; all of which could be displayed as NTSC or PAL color system for greater compatibility. This means that the unit could play display video from virtually any country of origin where NTSC or PAL is the standard color system.

Expandability Options
This versatile unit is also capable of receiving (with additional accessories) Satellite Radio (both XM and Sirius). Satellite Radio information will be displayed on the screen which would display station information and current program. In addition, this in-dash navigation multimedia receiver features a mini USB port as well as an SD Card input, allowing users to play their favorite MP3 or MP4 files or even update their navigation maps.

Navigation Features
The unit comes with a 2GB SD Card with map information as well as 7 million points of interest. The internal processor is a 400 MHz Sirf Star III chip running a Linux-based software. This means that users will not experience much lag or sluggish performance while navigating and calculating routes while driving. The GPS receiver is even capable of receiving 20 parallel channels, allowing connection of up to 20 orbital GPS satellites which greatly reduces the likelihood of signal loss while traveling long distances. The GPS receiver will also receive signals from traffic alerts, notifying you of accidents as well as traffic status in major US metropolitan cities.

As you can probably gather from what is covered in this review, this affordable single DIN in-dash navigation is packed with features that are usually reserved for more expensive units. However, for the price that is offered ($429.99), you can't get a better deal than the Power Acoustik PAVN-4210.